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POLITICAL FREEDOM FOR THE ISRAELITE: J S 3 Third Term
SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE
CLASS: JSS 1
TERM: 3rd TERM
WEEK TWO
TOPIC: POLITICAL FREEDOM FOR THE ISRAELITE
CONTENT
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Freedom For The Israelite
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Song of Victory
MOSES AND HIS PEOPLE CELEBRATES THEIR FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN
EXO. 15 1:22
After God had instructed Moses to go down to Egypt and Speak to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, Moses did as God had commanded him, but Pharaoh’s mind was hardened and he did not let Israel go, and so he tormented the lives of the Egyptians.
POLITICAL FREEDOM FOR THE ISRAELITE: J S 3 Third Term
Enslavement in Egypt:
The narrative begins with the Israelites’ enslavement in ancient Egypt. According to biblical accounts, they were subjected to harsh labor and oppression under Pharaoh’s rule. Despite their suffering, the Israelites maintained their identity and faith in the God of their ancestors.
Exodus and Liberation:
The turning point came with the emergence of Moses, a Hebrew raised in the Pharaoh’s court. Inspired by a divine calling, Moses confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of his people. After a series of plagues, Pharaoh relented, and the Israelites embarked on their exodus from Egypt.
Wilderness Wanderings:
The Israelites’ journey to freedom was fraught with challenges. They wandered through the wilderness for forty years, facing hunger, thirst, and internal strife. Yet, they were sustained by their belief in God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey.
Conquest of Canaan:
Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the land of Canaan. They engaged in battles with the indigenous inhabitants, gradually conquering and settling the land. This period marked the establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel and the beginning of their political autonomy.
Period of Judges:
Following the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites entered a period of decentralized governance under judges, charismatic leaders raised up by God to deliver them from oppressors. Despite intermittent periods of peace and prosperity, the Israelites faced internal strife and external threats.
Rise of Monarchy:
Amidst growing instability, the Israelites clamored for a centralized monarchy to unite and govern them. Their request led to the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, followed by David and Solomon. Under King Solomon, Israel reached its zenith of power and prosperity, with the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
Division and Exile:
However, Solomon’s reign was marred by oppression and excesses, leading to the division of the kingdom into Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom). Both kingdoms faced internal corruption and external invasions, eventually resulting in the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the Israelites to Assyria and Babylon.
Return and Restoration:
Despite the devastation of exile, the Israelites maintained their hope for restoration. Following the fall of Babylon to the Persians, Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the exiled Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This marked a pivotal moment in their quest for political and religious freedom.
Roman Occupation and Diaspora:
However, the Israelites’ political autonomy was short-lived. They fell under the dominion of successive empires, including the Hellenistic and Roman powers. Despite sporadic revolts and rebellions, the Israelites faced increasing oppression and persecution. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE by the Romans marked a significant turning point, leading to the dispersal of the Jewish people throughout the world, known as the Jewish diaspora.
Modern State of Israel:
Despite centuries of dispersion and persecution, the dream of returning to the ancestral homeland remained alive among the Jewish people. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Zionist movement emerged, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This culminated in the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, providing a homeland where Jews could exercise political sovereignty and enjoy greater freedom.
Contemporary Challenges:
However, the establishment of Israel also brought about new challenges, including ongoing tensions and conflicts with neighboring Arab states and the Palestinian population. The pursuit of peace, coexistence, and justice remains paramount in ensuring the political freedom and security of all inhabitants of the region.
PLAGUES THAT OCCURRED IN THE LAND OF EGYPT:
According to the biblical narrative in the Book of Exodus, there were ten plagues that occurred in the land of Egypt:
- Water Turned to Blood: The waters of the Nile River and all water sources in Egypt turned to blood, making it undrinkable and causing the death of fish.
- Frogs: Egypt was overrun by swarms of frogs, which invaded homes, beds, and even ovens, causing immense discomfort and distress.
- Gnats or Lice: The dust of the land turned into swarms of gnats or lice, covering both people and animals with itching irritation.
- Flies or Wild Beasts: The land was plagued by swarms of flies or wild animals, which caused further annoyance and destruction.
- Disease on Livestock: Livestock in Egypt, including cattle, sheep, and goats, were afflicted with a deadly disease, resulting in their mass death.
- Boils: The people of Egypt were afflicted with painful boils or sores on their bodies, causing great suffering and discomfort.
- Hailstorm: Egypt was struck by a devastating hailstorm, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The hail destroyed crops, trees, and any living thing left in the fields.
- Locusts: Swarms of locusts descended upon Egypt, devouring any remaining vegetation after the hailstorm, exacerbating the famine and agricultural devastation.
- Darkness: Egypt was enveloped in a thick darkness that lasted for three days, so dense that it could be felt. This darkness was so complete that it immobilized the people, disrupting daily life entirely.
- Death of the Firstborn: The final and most devastating plague involved the death of all the firstborn in Egypt, both humans and animals. However, the Israelite were spared from this plague by following God’s instructions to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificial lamb, which became known as the Passover.
These ten plagues were sent by God through the prophet Moses to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelite from slavery in Egypt. After the tenth plague, Pharaoh finally relented, allowing the Israelite to leave Egypt and begin their journey toward freedom.
Songs of victory to God.
After the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang songs of victory to God. The content of the songs is as follows;
1) I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously, the horses and the rider he
has thrown into the sea.
2) The Lord is a man of war the Lord is his name.
3) Thy right hand O Lord, glorious in power, thy right hand shatters the enemy.
4) Who is like unto thee O Lord?. It should be noted that Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Moses mobilized women in singing and dancing in appreciation to God for their freedom.
